“ I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
God, Life giver,
Ash Wednesday on Valentines Day. That does not happen very often! A beginning to remember the journey to Easter afresh. Love that lasts an eternity. Valentines day? I am not so sure about. These Bible verses about doors and pasture and thieves . . . give a wonderful picture of the promise by Your Son Jesus. A promise fulfilled at Easter by Your Son Jesus. He didn’t just speak words he backed them up with action, even when it cost Him everything.
You came to give us life and abundantly. The Authorised version says, “have it more abundantly” Life, in the Greek language, meant life physically now and included spiritual life in a future existence. Another translator said that You came in order that they [believers] might continuously have life. Quality and quantity. Not just a slice of cake we can have the whole cake and eat it. Although in this world we may have trouble, (John 16:33 NIV) we may not have a valentine this year, but we are loved. Loved beyond life and we will have Your love today and every day. The road to Easter starts here.
As the second verse of the worship says:
Heaven above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green;
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen:
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.
Thank You Father.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of life,
For family, friends, neighbours, we pray You will open their lives to good health and good choices.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve to know Your goodness and care.
For the Royal family to know and trust You. For Charles treatment to be healing.
For our government and MPs and their families. For true and good hearts
For world Governments to make selfless decisions for the good, for peace and humanity.
For Ukraine and Gaza permanent peace. Along with Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
For the sheep who have wandered from Jesus to find their way back to faith.
For us to know You as our Good Shepherd, Your gentle care along with Your protection today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 14th February 2024
The last line of every verse is for every day.
Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Spirit, breathing from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so.
Oh, this full and perfect peace!
Oh, this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.
Heaven above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green;
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen:
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.
His forever, only His:
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart.
Heaven and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline;
But, while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.
Lyrics: George Wade Robinson